Compare Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine vs Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine

P1 Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
P2 Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine

Comparison Takeaways

Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine

Where It Has the Edge

  • Streaking / Residue is 4.9 vs 2.0. Residue and streaking control was strong because reviewers liked the rinse feature and the low stain-spread behavior.
  • Controls and UI is 5.0 vs 2.7. The visible controls and mode selection were described as straightforward by a first-time user.
  • Heating element is 4.3 vs 2.8. Heated airflow was viewed positively as a drying aid, though one reviewer only observed the heat before full...
  • Solution / Liquid system is 4.5 vs 3.1. The wash/rinse and solution systems were praised for flexibility, automatic dispensing, and generally sensible water/solution use.

Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine

Where It Has the Edge

  • Accessories and Tools is 4.8 vs 3.5. Accessories were a clear strength, with repeated praise for the hose, pet tool, Spot Chaser, and attachment usefulness.
  • Maintenance requirements is 4.7 vs 3.8. Maintenance was a major strength: reviewers repeatedly praised removable brushes, removable covers, easy tank cleaning, and easy cleanup.
  • Upholstery / Above-Floor Pickup is 4.9 vs 4.3. Above-floor and spot cleaning were consistently praised, especially the hose, handheld/pet tools, and spot-cleaning performance.
  • Floorhead design is 4.5 vs 3.9. The two-brush floorhead design was praised as one of the best carpet-cleaner brush systems overall.
Average score
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.4
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.1
Accessories and Tools
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
3.5

Included tools were useful but mixed: reviewers liked the hose/tool package and storage bag, while one found special attachments did not improve stain cleaning much.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.8

Accessories were a clear strength, with repeated praise for the hose, pet tool, Spot Chaser, and attachment usefulness.

AI, Smart, App and Automation
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
No score yet
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Automation was praised when it worked because it reduced guesswork in mixing, spraying, washing, and drying.

Airflow blowback
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.5

One comparison praised the machine's bottom exhaust/blowback as strong enough to aid drying.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.0

Airflow blowback evidence was positive in a comparative drying explanation, where upward airflow toward the brushes helped drying performance.

Area Rug Handling
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Area rug and long-pile rug evidence was positive, with reviewers reporting strong results across rugs and carpets.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
5.0

Area-rug handling was praised in a pet-home review where rug color and cleanliness bounced back strongly.

Assembly and Setup
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Setup was consistently praised as easy, with simple instructions and minimal assembly.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
5.0

Setup was praised as very easy, with the handle snapping into place during assembly.

Build quality and durability
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
2.5

Build quality drew a concern from one reviewer who questioned long-term durability because of the plastic construction.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Carpet — High-Pile Pickup
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

High-pile and long-pile carpet handling was strongly praised because the brushes cleaned without jamming or slowing.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Carpet — Medium-Pile Pickup
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
No score yet
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

A medium-pile carpet test was positive, with the reviewer calling the stain performance far better than average.

Comparative performance
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.3

Comparative results are favorable overall, especially for midrange value, although one multi-machine test ranked it behind some alternatives overall.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
3.8

Comparative performance was mixed: some tests ranked SmartWash well for drying and features, while others preferred Power Scrub or the pet variant.

Controls and UI
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

The visible controls and mode selection were described as straightforward by a first-time user.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
2.7

Controls were mixed: reviewers liked the simple automatic concept, but two reviews reported the wash/dry sensing failing or misreading direction.

Cord length
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.5

Cord length was described positively by two reviewers as plenty long or a good length.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Cord length received one positive owner mention, calling the more-than-20-foot cable great.

Dried-On Stain Removal
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
3.6

Stain removal is mixed: everyday and pet stains can come out very well, but comparative dried-stain tests rated the PowerScrub around average or worse.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
3.6

Stain-removal evidence was sharply mixed: some reviewers saw strong results, while controlled tests found weak upright stain performance on tougher stains.

Ease of use
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.7

Ease of use was one of the most consistent positives, with reviewers describing operation, handling, and basic setup as simple.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.6

Ease of use was one of the broadest positives, with repeated praise for simple tanks, automatic operation, easy cleaning, and light handling.

Emptying and Mess Control
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

One reviewer found dirty-water dumping convenient and easy.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Emptying and mess control were mostly positive, with reviewers finding the dirty tank easy to remove, empty, and clean.

Floor Drying Time
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.3

Drying feedback is mostly positive thanks to suction and heated airflow, but one comparison test found weaker drying results for this model.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.4

Drying was one of the strongest themes, with many reviewers praising dry-only mode, HeatForce, or fast usable carpets, despite one regular-cleaning caveat.

Floorhead design
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
3.9

The SpinScrub floorhead design is a tradeoff: it limits stain spreading, but one test criticized the brush speed/efficiency.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

The two-brush floorhead design was praised as one of the best carpet-cleaner brush systems overall.

Fresh Liquid Pickup Speed
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Wet-stain pickup is a clear strength, with reviewers saying it removed wet stains quickly and effectively.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Fresh liquid-like stains were handled well in testing, with urine, grape juice, and worked-in liquid stains clearing quickly.

Hair-removal channel issues
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Hair cleanup around the brush/channel was praised as very easy with the included cleaning tool.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Hair Pickup — Carpets
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
No score yet
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Carpet hair pickup was praised in a pet-home review that still pulled substantial Golden Retriever hair after thorough vacuuming.

Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Tangle resistance was praised in high-pile/long-pile use, where the cleaner avoided jams and tangles.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Hair-wrap and tangle resistance scored well in the pet version because the handheld scrubber was described as making a real difference.

Heating element
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.3

Heated airflow was viewed positively as a drying aid, though one reviewer only observed the heat before full cleaning tests.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
2.8

Heating-related evidence was mixed: some reviewers praised faster drying, while others warned there is no true heater and described HeatForce as hot exhaust air.

Hose length
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
No score yet
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
5.0

Hose length was praised by two reviewers as really long and useful for furniture or car cleaning.

Innovation compared to competitors
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

The horizontal SpinScrub approach stood out versus traditional brushroll competitors, especially for stain spread and long-pile handling.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.8

Innovation evidence was positive, with reviewers framing it as newer, easier carpet-cleaner technology compared with older/rental-style machines.

Kid-friendliness
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
No score yet
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
5.0

Kid-friendliness was supported by one owner who said even kids could use it because the controls were not confusing.

Maintenance requirements
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
3.8

Maintenance is mixed: brush/nozzle access can be easy, but dirty-tank cleanup and roller access drew complaints in some tests.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.7

Maintenance was a major strength: reviewers repeatedly praised removable brushes, removable covers, easy tank cleaning, and easy cleanup.

Maneuverability and Handling
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.9

Handling is a major strength, with multiple reviewers saying it feels light, smooth, or vacuum-like to move.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.3

Handling was usually praised, with reviewers describing the machine as lightweight, easy to push, or lighter than rented cleaners.

Odor control
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.5

One household reviewer connected shampooing and deodorizing with a noticeable improvement in room feel.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries)
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.0

One reviewer found the included sample solution enough for a room, but noted whole-home cleaning would require buying more.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
3.5

Ownership cost evidence was limited to one pet-version comparison noting that extra Spot Chaser solution has to be purchased.

Overall durability/longevity
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
2.5

One reviewer raised a longevity concern because the body felt heavily plastic.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
1.5

Durability evidence was negative in one used-unit review where the automatic wash/dry sensing failed badly enough to return it.

Overall opinion
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Overall sentiment is very positive across user and test reviews, with many recommending it or calling it a standout midrange option.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
3.8

Overall opinion was polarized: many owners highly recommended or loved it, but two testing/defective-unit reviews did not recommend it.

Packaging quality
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
2.5

Packaging drew a negative note because the retail box arrived without an outer shipping box.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Pet-Ready Features
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Pet-oriented reviewers used it repeatedly for pet accidents and messy homes and reported that it handled those situations well.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
5.0

Pet-focused reviewers liked the pet tools, Spot Chaser, and real-world cleaning on pet-heavy carpets and rugs.

Price and Value
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.9

Value is one of the strongest themes, with reviewers calling it affordable, worth the money, and a better value than pricier alternatives.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.1

Value was mixed-to-positive: owners often called it worth the money, while test reviewers noted cheaper alternatives or a premium price caveat.

Solution / Liquid system
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.5

The wash/rinse and solution systems were praised for flexibility, automatic dispensing, and generally sensible water/solution use.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
3.1

The liquid system divided reviewers: automatic mixing and dispensing were praised for simplicity, but sensor and speed-threshold issues hurt performance in some tests.

Stair Cleaning
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.0

Stair cleaning was described as straightforward, though the same review noted the unit had some carrying weight.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Storage footprint and upright-stand stability
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
3.5

Storage is workable for those with space, but one reviewer warned it may be hard to store in smaller homes.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
No score yet
Streaking / Residue
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.9

Residue and streaking control was strong because reviewers liked the rinse feature and the low stain-spread behavior.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
2.0

Residue/streaking evidence was negative in controlled testing, where multiple stains and residue remained after repeated passes.

Suction and Airflow
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.6

Reviewers generally found upright suction and airflow strong, especially at the nozzle, though hose suction was weaker in lab testing.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
3.8

Reviewers split on suction: one comparative test found poor sealed-box suction, while another measured above-average suction and an owner described strong power.

Suitability for heavy-duty use
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.5

A large-household reviewer framed it as a valuable tool for regular deep cleaning in a busy home.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.0

Heavy-duty suitability was context-dependent: it impressed in a pet-and-kids home, but one reviewer said the tank is small for big whole-house jobs.

Support and Reliability
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
No score yet
Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
1.0

Reliability concerns centered on two reviews from the same reviewer where the automatic sensor failed and the unit had to be sent back.

Tool-change simplicity
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
5.0

Brush assemblies, hose hookups, and removable pieces were repeatedly described as easy to remove, clean, or attach.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
5.0

Tool changes were praised in the pet comparison because the Spot Chaser handle releases easily.

Upholstery / Above-Floor Pickup
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.3

Above-floor and upholstery results were generally good, including chairs, spot cleaning, and couch/futon use, though not every tool impressed.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.9

Above-floor and spot cleaning were consistently praised, especially the hose, handheld/pet tools, and spot-cleaning performance.

Versatility
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.5

Versatility is above average, especially for spot cleaning and hose-based use beyond standard upright carpet cleaning.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.5

Versatility was a recurring strength, especially for spot cleaning, manual tool use, attachments, and doing more than basic carpet passes.

Water tank
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.0

Tank feedback is mixed: large capacity and easy dumping are positives, but leakage and dirty-tank cleanup are concerns.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.1

Tank feedback was generally positive for capacity, coverage, and clean/dirty separation, though one review warned the one-gallon tank is small for whole-house jobs.

Weight
Product 1: Hoover PowerScrub Carpet Cleaner Machine
4.3

Weight feedback is mixed but mostly positive: several found it light, while one found it somewhat hard to carry on stairs.

Product 2: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner...
4.4

Weight feedback was positive overall, with several reviewers calling it relatively lightweight, easy to push, or lighter than rentals.